Squalor in the Laboratories An Audit of Animal Welfare Act Compliance by U.S.
Research Facilities; With Detailed Examinations of Fifteen Nationally
Known Labs By Michael A. Budkie, A.H.T., Executive Director,
Stop Animal Exploitation NOW!
513-575-5517
saen@saenonline.org

University of Pittsburgh

USDA documents from an inspection dated 9/3/02 discuss
IACUC violations regarding a rabbit protocol. This protocol allows 24-hour
restraint for rabbits for a period of 30 consecutive days while the
rabbits undergo continuous motion on a hind leg.

There were several instances of sanitation violations.
Also, there was a violation regarding environmental enhancement for
primates. The report discusses seven primates who are individually housed,
and one specific primate who was exhibiting stereotypical behavior.

On 11/26/02 the University of Pittsburgh was cited for
another IACUC violation wherein a research protocol continued past the
approved date. On 12/9/02 the university was again cited for cleaning and
sanitation problems in the surgery area. This lab was again cited for
sanitation problems on 1/7/03.

On 1/22/03 the University of Pittsburgh Plumborough
Primate facility was cited for the use of expired drugs, inadequate care
of primates recovering from anesthesia, inadequate storage of primate
food, and unnecessary isolation of primates. On 3/4/03 this same facility
was again cited for the use of expired drugs. Inadequate (too small)
primary enclosures for primates was another violation on this date.